The Glorious Story of Mr. Chang's Family

In the mid-19th century, people from southeastern and southern coastal regions of China began migrating to Southeast Asia in large numbers due to hardships caused by economic pressures and wartime strife. Mr. Chang Farn Sheng's grandparents were among those who, driven by poverty, made the journey across the seas to the northeastern state of Kelantan on the Malay Peninsula. Kelantan, located near the Thai border, was rich in natural resources. Starting from scratch, his ancestors established a traditional Chinese medicine shop, importing goods from China, Thailand, and Singapore to supply local residents with medicinal products and healthcare services. Over time, they expanded their ventures to include a coffee shop, hotel, porcelain store, and general food and grocery store. Their business acumen was matched by their dedication to charity, often helping the less fortunate, particularly Chinese immigrants who arrived in Kelantan with no family or resources. The Changs became known locally for their kindness, taking in three orphans and raising them as part of their family. This legacy of generosity and community support helped solidify their family's reputation as a respected and honorable household in Kelantan.

As economic conditions evolved and the future of the family became a pressing concern, Mr. Chang's father, driven by ambition and foresight, decided to transition into rubber and later palm oil plantations. This shift opened up new avenues for growth and long-term development. Not content with simply managing these agricultural ventures, Mr. Chang's father sought further opportunities and ventured into the timber industry.

One day, during a logging expedition, the family stumbled upon a mineral-rich land, leading to the discovery of valuable deposits. After testing the mineral samples, they realized the land was indeed a treasure trove. This find significantly changed the course of the family's fortunes.

Mr. Chang and his two older brothers threw themselves wholeheartedly into the family business. They worked in rubber and palm oil plantations and the logging industry while also collaborating with the state government of Kelantan to explore even more mineral reserves across different regions, including southern areas such as Aring. This desire for exploration also took them beyond Malaysia, to Myanmar and Thailand, in search of more mineral resources.

In the Thai-Myanmar border region, Mr. Chang developed a wealth of practical experience in mining. He spent five years living in this region, immersing himself in the local culture and studying advanced mining techniques, especially those related to antimony extraction. His efforts not only led to profitable mining operations but also provided job opportunities to impoverished local residents, thus boosting the local economy. Alongside his mining ventures, Mr. Chang, driven by the global food crisis, also delved into agriculture, cultivating crops such as sweet potatoes and papayas for both local consumption and export.

After years of success abroad, Mr. Chang and his brothers realized that they could achieve even more back home in Kelantan. They returned to their roots and continued to expand the family business in rubber, palm oil, logging, and mining. They also began extracting river sand, which is not only essential for construction but also key to addressing Kelantan's longstanding flood issues. The silt accumulation in the rivers, coupled with continuous rain, often led to devastating floods, but river sand extraction helped alleviate the problem and benefit the local community.

Additionally, Mr. Chang invested in real estate development in Kelantan. One major project involves the 600 acres of land in Lojing Highlands in the northern part of the state, where plans are underway to develop agricultural tourism, a five-star resort, a university, residential zones, and commercial areas. The university aims to establish an agricultural research center to nurture talent in both agriculture and business management.

At the same time, Mr. Chang saw the potential in Kelantan’s bird's nest industry. He set up swiftlet houses in Jeli, collecting high-quality bird’s nests, a valuable commodity.

To facilitate the transportation of goods and products, Mr. Chang built a jetty at Tok Bali, a crucial shipping hub located near the mouth of a river on Kelantan’s eastern coast.

Besides his agricultural work abroad, Mr. Chang’s efforts in Kelantan are centered on agricultural development in places like Lojing Highlands, Tok Bali, and Jeram Pasu. These initiatives continue to breathe new life into Kelantan’s economy and provide numerous employment opportunities for local residents. Carrying on his ancestors' philanthropic spirit, Mr. Chang has partnered with the Kelantan prison to teach inmates farming skills. Prisoners are given the chance to work in melon orchards, which offers them a path to rehabilitation and employment opportunities upon release.

Mr. Chang is also a staunch supporter of mother-tongue education. In Malaysia, Chinese-language education often lacks sufficient funding and resources. Mr. Chang has contributed to the cause by donating agricultural products to be sold in charity sales, with all proceeds going to support Chinese schools. His contributions have earned widespread praise and recognition from the local Chinese community.

With the same pioneering spirit as his ancestors, Mr. Chang continues to work tirelessly to develop new industries and enterprises. His courage, vision, and commitment to social responsibility have made him a proud role model for Kelantan, and his legacy stands as an inspiration to many.